Safari's most exclusive destination — the Okavango Delta rising from the Kalahari to create a water paradise, Chobe's vast elephant herds, and a commitment to high-value, low-impact conservation.
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Population
- 2,359,609
- Area
- 600,370 km²
- Languages
- English, Tswana
- Currency
- Botswana Pula (BWP)
- GDP
- $19,400M
Good to know
Driving side
Left
National dish
Seswaa
Annual visitors
1,830,000 (2018)
Safety
Elevated (11.37/100k)
Avg temp
22.1°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Landlocked
☎ Police 997 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 997
Travel guide
Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, completely surrounded by four countries: Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Botswana is a true gem among African nations, boasting a remarkable level of wealth and tranquility that few other countries on the continent can match. With its high standard of living and extremely low crime rates, Botswana has established itself as an oasis of stability amidst the many challenges faced by its neighbours. But Botswana is much more than just a peaceful haven. This captivating country is also home to a wealth of attractions that are sure to delight any traveller. From the stunning Tsodilo Hills and Chobe National Park to the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, there is no shortage of natural wonders to explore.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Botswana
Best time to visit
June–October is the dry season — the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate at water sources. The Okavango Delta is most spectacular July–September. November–April is rainy but the landscape turns green and birds arrive.
Visa
Citizens of US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most Western countries receive 30–90 days visa-free in Botswana.
Highlights
Makgadikgadi Pans Landscape is located in the north-east of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and south-east of the Okavango Delta. It is linked to Okavango Delta by the Boteti River and supplied with water from Zimbabwe by the ephemeral Nata River. This makes the area the largest salt pans in the world covering an area of over 30 000 km2 and one of the former largest inland sea in the world.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2)
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